Woman to serve 14 years for DUI causing injury

Annetta Brown Stevenson, 43, pled guilty Wednesday to DUI Causing Injury. The accident took place on the corner of Ocean Springs Road and Deana Road in Ocean Springs in June of 2009, and involved three juveniles.

Officials said Stevenson's blood alcohol content was over the 0.08 percent legal limit when she ran a stop sign and struck the other vehicle. Two of the juveniles received minor injuries, but one received substantial injuries from the incident.

"Ms. Stevenson chose to drive, knowing that she was intoxicated, and a young person suffered serious injuries as a result of her decision. This incident could have been prevented if she had thought about the consequences of drinking and driving," said Leilani Tynes, Assistant District Attorney.

District Attorney Tony Lawrence stated "This incident could have had a tragic ending that we see far too often when people choose to drive after consuming alcohol. Driving under the influence can result in serious injuries or the loss of life. Causing people to be injured as a result of drinking and driving is a crime that doesn't have to happen."

Senior Circuit Court Judge Kathy King Jackson sentenced Stevenson to 25 years in MDOC custody, but she will only have to serve 14 of those years in prison. The remaining 11 years will be on Post Release Supervision. She will also have to pay all costs of court, a $1500 fine, and a $100 assessment to the Crime Victim's Compensation Fund.